The Pursuit of Gifting
Breathe easier this holiday season with a little shopping strategy. As December days dwindle, our time and energies are easily …
Connecting the Dots
By Nicole Trask | May 31, 2012I love getting the chance to explore new shops outside of Halifax and such an opportunity presented itself this past weekend. Road-tripping yet again but this time to the lovely South Shore, my friend and I paid a visit to Dots & Loops Handmade on Lincoln Street in Lunenburg, after a lazy lunch at the Salt Shaker Deli (on the deck, oh my)…
Dots & Loops is an idyllic addition to Lunenburg. Located in a historic building with gorgeous tin antique ceilings and a vibrant tangerine statement wall, the boutique is spacious and full of light. Luckily for us, one of the owners, Melanie Strong was working and pleased to show and tell any item that caught my eye. There was a lot to look at and some truly wonderful gift ideas from screen-printed t-shirts and neckties to quaint needlepoint and striking artwork. I immediately gravitated towards the ties and t-shirts with lovely bicycle prints because I must confess to loving all things bicycle. But there was so much more to look at including handmade notebooks, crocheted jellyfish mobiles, uniquely printed pillows, belt buckles with unusual motifs and a wide array of stamps.
Open since last August, Dots & Loops prevailed over the long winter months and the summer ahead is looking promising. Co-owners and partners, Melanie Strong and Stephen Bishop, both felt that the decision to open their own shop evolved quite naturally. Previously, they had been commuting to Halifax every day from their country home and longed for a simpler life. Setting up shop in Lunenburg to offer consignment based treasures from local and international artists was a no-brainer and Bishop conveniently staked out a workshop in the backroom for his already well established design business, Hello Daylight.
“We were inspired to start our business because we both love anything made by hand,” says Strong. “The care and attention that goes into a piece that you know was made by an artist is just unparalleled. We really wanted to add to the already bourgeoning handmade scene here in Nova Scotia. We also wanted to create awareness for those that may not realize that they really do have a shopping alternative. Whether it’s clothing or house wares, jewellery or gifts – they don’t need to go to a big box store when there are shops like us around.”
The boutique conveys this to me effortlessly. I feel that I could pick out a gift for pretty much anyone in my life at Dots & Loops, whether they are male or female, young or old. Favourites would include the iphone cases with adorable prints, Shibang clutches and hilarious Father’s Day cards currently in stock. They are preaching to the choir to me about the superiority of all things handmade and I truly think that this boutique is a welcome addition and wonderful alternative to some of the more touristy fare in Lunenburg. I couldn’t leave without snapping up a simple t-shirt with a lovely print of a red bicycle for myself.
My gut instinct is telling me that once the locals connect the dots, this wonderful boutique will be just what Lunenburg needs and become an attraction for us city folks as well…I’m already looking forward to my next visit!
-Nicole
All photos taken by the talented Scott Munn
Please feel free to contact me if you have a product you would like me to try or suggestion for the blog (local, natural and handmade items are always of interest).
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